Did you hear the buzz from Flushing? Nolan McLean isn’t just playing for the Mets; he’s rewriting their record books! This rookie pitcher has achieved something unprecedented in franchise history, a feat even legendary aces couldn’t accomplish. What an incredible start to a promising career!
New York Mets rookie pitcher Nolan McLean has etched his name into franchise lore, achieving an unprecedented feat in his nascent major league career that even legendary figures like Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, or Jacob deGrom could not accomplish. Just three starts into his MLB journey, McLean has already delivered a monumental boost to the struggling Mets, signaling a potential new era of pitching dominance.
His latest historic achievement came on a decisive Wednesday night, where the 24-year-old right-hander led the New York Mets to a three-game sweep over the formidable Philadelphia Phillies. McLean was nothing short of spectacular, tossing eight marvelous innings, allowing a mere four hits, issuing no walks, and striking out six batters, effectively shutting down one of the league’s top offenses.
McLean’s impressive outing was a masterclass in pitchability, showcasing a diverse arsenal that kept Phillies hitters off balance. His repertoire includes a sharp-breaking curveball in the high 70s, a deceptive sweeper, and a fastball consistently touching the mid-90s. This combination, coupled with his command, allowed him to retire 15 consecutive batters after an early second-inning single, facing the minimum into the seventh frame.
Praise for the young phenom resonated throughout the Mets clubhouse. Manager Carlos Mendoza lauded McLean, stating, “All I can say is wow. It’s just everything about the kid — not only what we’re seeing on the mound, just the way he carries himself. He’s got electric stuff, but he’s got pitchability.” Infielder Mark Vientos echoed the sentiment, grinning, “He’s a stud, man. It’s so fun to be a part of what he does on day-to-day basis.”
The historic nature of McLean’s start is undeniable: he became the first New York Mets pitcher ever to win his first three Major League Baseball starts, a testament to his immediate impact and composure on the big stage. This remarkable consistency at the outset of his career distinguishes him from every other pitcher who has worn the Mets uniform.
Furthermore, McLean has shattered another franchise record, lowering his earned run average to an astounding 0.89 through his first three starts – the lowest in team history for a rookie. This surpasses Hall of Famer Tom Seaver’s previous mark of 1.19 ERA set in 1967. His 21 strikeouts also place him alongside teammate Kodai Senga for the third-most in franchise annals through three career starts, just behind Matt Harvey.
Reflecting on his rapid success, McLean expressed a quiet confidence. “I’ve always been a believer in my stuff. I’m a confident guy,” he stated. “Obviously, the hitters here are the best in the world and I know that. But I also know I have good stuff. And if I go out there and execute, I can get a lot of guys out as well.”
The impact of this rookie pitcher extends beyond individual accolades, as the Mets have seen a significant turnaround since his call-up, boasting an 8-3 record and pulling within four games of the NL East-leading Phillies. McLean, along with All-Star lefty David Peterson, are the only Mets starters to last at least seven innings since June 2, underscoring his crucial role in the team’s resurgence.
